Your ultimate guide to Dubai Metro
Dubai Metro is a state-of-the-art rapid transit system serving Dubai residents since September 9, 2009. Operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), it offers a safe, reliable, and convenient way for residents and tourists to travel across the city.
If you wish to learn about one of the city’s most popular modes of transportation, you have come to the right place. This handy guide on how to use the Dubai Metro has all the information you need, including timings, ticket prices, various lines and stations and useful tips for a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
DUBAI METRO TIMINGS 2024
The Dubai Metro line is operational throughout the week; however, the Dubai Metro timetable varies from weekend to weekdays.
Searching for Dubai Metro timings today? The new Dubai Metro schedule for all lines is as follows:
- Monday to Thursday: 05:00 am to 12:00 am
- Friday: 05:00 am to 01:00 am
- Saturday: 05:00 am to 12:00 am
- Sunday: 08:00 am to 12:00 am
Are Dubai Metro timings on Friday different? The service starts at 05:00 am, and the Dubai Metro closing time for Fridays is 01:00 am (the next day).
Dubai Metro opening hours may vary during public holidays and special events. So check the official Roads and Transport Authority (RTA Dubai) website or the RTA Dubai app for the most up-to-date information.
Passengers can book an RTA taxi or use Careem and Uber applications for essential trips outside metro operating hours.
NAVIGATING THE DUBAI METRO
Two main lines, Red Line and Green Line, are part of the metro network in Dubai.
- Red Line runs between Centrepoint (R11) and Expo 2020 (R76).
- Route 2020 Branch Line is operational between Jabal Ali (R38) and UAE Exchange (R42).
- Green Line travels from Etisalat by E& (G11) to Creek (G30).
Dubai Metro will soon have a new ‘third line’ called the Blue Line. Scheduled for completion in 2029, it will have 14 stations and three interchange stations between the existing Red and Green Lines.
The Blue Line extends in two directions. The first one originates from the Creek interchange station at the Green Line in Al Jaddaf, passing through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Ras Al Khor, and from there to International City (1) that includes the interchange…
— RTA (@rta_dubai) November 25, 2023
DUBAI METRO MAP 2024
The Dubai Metro route is as follows:
- The Red and Green lines intersect at Burjuman and Union. You can board the train based on the intended travel direction.
- The map is colour-coded, making it easy to identify the routes.
- The frequency of trains is generally every 3 to 7 minutes during peak hours and every 7 to 15 minutes during off-peak hours.
- The RTA has announced an enhancement to the Red Line network. With the addition of Red Line Y junction, commuters travelling from Centrepoint can now reach UAE Exchange Station and Expo 2020 Station without changing trains at the Jabal Ali Metro Station. Likewise, Expo 2020 and UAE Exchange passengers can travel to Centrepoint MS without worrying about switching trains at Jabal Ali MS.
STATIONS LIST
The metro network has 20 stations on the Green Line and 36 on the Red Line (including the Route 2020 Branch Line). Here’s an updated list of Dubai Metro stations.
The Red Line metro stations include:
- Centrepoint
- Emirates
- Airport Terminal 3
- Airport Terminal 1
- GGICO
- City Centre Deira
- Al Rigga
- Union
- Burjuman
- ADCB
- max
- World Trade Center
- Emirates Towers
- Financial Centre
- Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall
- Business Bay
- ONPASSIVE
- Equiti
- Mall of the Emirates
- InsuranceMarket
- Dubai Internet City
- Al Khail
- Sobha Realty
- DMCC
- Jabal Ali
- Ibn Battuta
- Energy
- Danube
- UAE Exchange
- The Gardens
- Discovery Gardens
- Al Furjan
- Jumeirah Golf Estates
- Dubai Investment Park
- EXPO 2020
The Dubai Metro station list for the Green Line includes:
- Etisalat by e&
- Al Qusais
- Dubai Airport Free Zone
- Al Nahda
- Stadium
- Al Qiyadah
- Abu Hail
- Abu Baker Al Siddique
- Salah Al Din
- Union
- Baniyas Square
- Gold Souq
- Al Ras
- Al Gubaiba
- Sharaf DG
- Burjuman
- Oud Metha
- Dubai Healthcare City
- Al Jadaf
- Creek
If you are looking for a home near train stations in Dubai, here is a list of the affordable places to live near metro stations.
Dubai Metro Red Line includes:
- Two interchange stations to the Dubai Tram (Sobha Realty and DMCC)
- Two transfer stations to the Green Line (Burjuman and Union)
Remember that the metro stations are sometimes renamed due to the naming rights initiative. Bookmark this guide to stay updated on the Dubai Metro station name changes.
Facilities available at Dubai Metro Stations
You’ll find the following facilities at the RTA Dubai Metro Stations:
- Wi-Fi access
- Emergency call box
- 3000+ CCTVs
- Metro police
- Guidance path
- Lift access
- Platform alerts
- Informative displays
- Wheelchair access
- A radio link to contact authorities
USING THE DUBAI METRO: TICKETS, FARES AND PAYMENT METHODS
RTA DUBAI METRO ZONES
The Dubai Metro map below indicates the zones, helping passengers calculate the correct fare for their journey. With the opening of Route 2020 stations, these are the current Dubai Metro zones: Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 5 and Zone 6.
Remember:
- Dubai Metro operates on a zone-based fare system. The number of zones you travel through determines your total Dubai Metro fares.
- These zones also apply to transfers from the metro to other modes of public transport, such as buses, trams and water buses.
- Ensure you have a valid ticket and tap in and out at the designated gates to avoid penalties.
- For a single journey on two different modes of transportation to be charged as one, the transfer must be done within 30 minutes.
DUBAI METRO TICKETS AND FARES
To use the Dubai Metro, you must purchase a Nol card, a smart card that can be used for various modes of public transport in Dubai. This card can be purchased at any metro station and topped up with credit for fare payment. The minimum fare for a single journey is AED 3, and the maximum is AED 7.5.*
DUBAI METRO PAYMENT METHOD – NOL CARDS
There are different types of NOL cards in Dubai. Each card has different benefits and prices. Also, the Dubai Metro ticket price depends on the card you buy: gold, Silver, Personalized or Red.
- Gold Card
- AED 25 with an AED 19 balance
- Ride exclusively in Gold Class cabins on metro and tram
- Silver Card
- AED 25 with an AED 19 balance
- Access to all standard metro and tram cabins
- Blue Card/Personalised
- Regular – AED 70 with AED 20 credit
- Ideal for students, adults, senior citizens, social affairs beneficiaries and people of determination
- Mandatory for concession fares
- Red Card
- AED 2 – Dubai Metro tickets for single trips
- Can only be used for one transport mode at a time
- This rechargeable ticket can be loaded for up to 10 trips
Before boarding the metro, ensure you possess a valid NOL card with sufficient credit, as fare evasion is strictly prohibited and may result in fines or penalties.
HOW MUCH DOES METRO COST IN DUBAI?
The amount you pay for the journey depends on the number of zones covered and the type of NOL card used. Here’s a quick breakdown of the fares.
Zones | Silver | Gold | Personal | Red Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Zones Within 1 Zone | Silver AED 3 | Gold AED 6 | Personal AED 3 | Red Ticket AED 4 |
Zones 2 Adjacent Zones | Silver AED 5 | Gold AED 10 | Personal AED 5 | Red Ticket AED 6 |
Zones More than 2 Zones | Silver AED 7.50 | Gold AED 15 | Personal AED 7.50 | Red Ticket AED 8.50 |
DUBAI METRO PASS
A monthly pass for Dubai Metro allows you to travel on the train for the entire month. All nol Silver Cards, nol Red Tickets, and nol Gold Card users can benefit from this service.
HOW TO CHECK DUBAI METRO CARD BALANCE
Dubai Metro card balance check is quite simple.
- You can read the remaining balance on the screen when tapping the card at check-in/check-out during the journey.
- The balance will be displayed if you recharge your card at Dubai Metro stations.
- Frequent metro users also like to use the RTA app OR NOL PAY app for NOL card balance checks and top-ups
- You can visit the official RTA website to check the Dubai Metro card balance. Enter your nol tag ID and hit search. The remaining balance will be displayed on your screen.
DUBAI METRO TRAIN CABINS
Dubai Metro travellers can find three metro cabins.
- Gold Class Cabin – This cabin right at the front is only accessible to Gold NOL cardholders.
- Ladies & Children’s Cabin – This dedicated cabin for ladies and children can be accessed with any NOL card. These cabins are located at the end of the train to ensure a smooth and safe journey.
- Standard Class Cabin – This is the general cabin for all metro users and can be accessed with any NOL card.
PARKING AT THE DUBAI METRO STATIONS
Four stations offer free car parking for private vehicle owners who want to use the train.
- Centrepoint, Jumeirah Golf Estates and Jabal Ali are the three free car park metro stations on the Red Line.
- Etisalat by E& Metro Station has a free car park on the Green Line.
HOW TO TRAVEL IN DUBAI METRO: RULES AND THINGS TO AVOID
All public transport modes in Dubai are monitored, and strict rules and regulations are followed.
When travelling by train in Dubai:
- Always ensure you are in the right cabin, per your NOL card. Every compartment is marked to denote the correct cabin. Failure to follow this can result in fines of up to AED 100.
- Avoid eating or drinking in the metro. Chewing gum is not allowed. The fine for chewing gum on the metro is AED 100.
- Sleeping is not allowed in the waiting areas of the metro.
- Sitting on the floor or between two train cars is also not allowed.
- Pushing the emergency button when there is no emergency can cost you AED 2,000 if found guilty.
- According to the Dubai Metro luggage rules, two suitcases are allowed per passenger on the train. These include one large and one small suitcase that must be stowed in the dedicated luggage area found in each compartment.
Don’t forget to check out other Dubai public transport rules to ensure a safe and pleasant journey.
FAQS ABOUT DUBAI METRO
WHAT IS DUBAI METRO?
Dubai Metro is a driverless rapid transit rail network managed by the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) that serves many areas in Dubai.
WHAT IS RED LINE AND GREEN LINE IN DUBAI METRO?
Dubai Metro currently operates two main lines: Red and Green. The Red line starts from Centrepoint and ends at EXPO 2020 Metro Station. Similarly, the Green Line starts at Etisalat by E& and terminates at Creek Metro Station.
WHAT TIME IS THE LAST METRO IN DUBAI?
You can easily find the time of the last Dubai Metro train for each station by checking the timetable for RTA metro timings.
CAN I TAKE FOOD AND DRINK ON THE DUBAI METRO?
No, food and beverages are strictly prohibited on the trains. You’ll be fined heavily if found eating or drinking on Dubai Metro.
CAN I TAKE LUGGAGE WITH ME ON THE TRAIN?
Yes, you can take your luggage on the Dubai Metro, but please be mindful of the luggage size policy.
IS THERE A DUBAI METRO APP?
S’hail is one of the approved RTA apps for planning metro journeys in Dubai. You can also use NOL Pay for top-up and balance inquiries.
CAN I EXPLORE DUBAI USING THE METRO?
One of the major advantages of the Dubai Metro is its proximity to some of the city’s top attractions. Many of Dubai’s iconic landmarks, shopping malls, and cultural sites are located near metro stations, making it convenient for tourists to explore the city.
For example, Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa are easily accessible from the Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa Metro Station on the Red Line.
Other popular attractions near metro stations include the Gold and Spice Souks near Al Ras Metro Station (Green Line), Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) near Sobha Realty Metro Station (Red Line) and the Dubai Frame near Al Jafiliya Metro Station (Green Line).
WHICH STATIONS ARE NEAR MALLS?
Wonder how to get to Dubai Mall by metro? The good news is that many popular malls in Dubai are located near train stations. The list includes:
- City Centre Deira
- Al Ghurair (Union)
- Burjuman
- Dubai Mall
- Dubai Marina Mall (via Dubai Tram)
- Mall of the Emirates
- Ibn Battuta
IS THE DUBAI METRO AVAILABLE 24 HOURS?
No, the last metro timing in Dubai is until midnight, except for Fridays.
CAN I CARRY LUGGAGE ON THE DUBAI METRO?
Yes, you can carry luggage in the metro. However, only two suitcases are allowed per person. This includes one large suitcase that must not exceed 81 cm x 58 cm x 30 cm and a small suitcase that must not exceed 55 cm x 38 cm x 20 cm. All luggage must be stored in the dedicated cabins in each compartment.
CAN I BUY NOL CARDS FOR A SINGLE TRIP?
Yes, you can buy a nol red ticket (Regular or Gold) to pay for single trips.
Zones | nol Red Ticket Regular | nol Red Ticket Gold |
|---|---|---|
Zones Within 1 Zone | nol Red Ticket Regular AED 4 | nol Red Ticket Gold AED 8 |
Zones 2 Adjacent Zones | nol Red Ticket Regular AED 6 | nol Red Ticket Gold AED 12 |
Zones More than 2 Zones | nol Red Ticket Regular AED 8.50 | nol Red Ticket Gold AED 17 |
CAN I PAY CASH ON THE DUBAI METRO?
You can only pay for your metro trips with the NOL Card. This card can be used to pay for other public transport services such as public buses and trams. However, you can use cash to top up the balance on your NOL Card.
WHERE CAN I BUY METRO TICKETS IN DUBAI?
You can purchase an NOL card or ticket from the ticket offices or self-service kiosks at any of the metro stations in Dubai. The self-service kiosks for purchasing or topping up your NOL card are also available at Dubai Tram stations.
If you violate any laws, you will face public transportation fines in Dubai.
HOW TO USE METRO CARD IN DUBAI?
You can tap the Nol Metro Card at the designated gates to access the train platform.
Besides Dubai Metro tickets, metro NOL cards can be used for other RTA transport modes and services, such as parking fee payments, shopping at the Zoom supermarkets and even taxis in Dubai.
HOW TO GO TO DUBAI MARINA BY METRO?
You can hop on the Red Line and get off at Sobha Realty Metro Station. DMCC Metro Station is another convenient choice for those visiting Dubai Marina.
HOW TO GO TO GLOBAL VILLAGE DUBAI BY METRO?
Presently, Global Village isn’t directly served by the metro. However, connecting buses from Red Line stations can take you to the desired destination. These include:
- Bus 102 from Centrepoint Metro Station
- Bus 103 from Union Metro Station Dubai
- Bus 106 from Mall of the Emirates Metro Station
HOW TO GET TO DUBAI MIRACLE GARDEN BY METRO?
RTA Bus route 105 from Mall of the Emirates Metro Station can take you to Dubai Miracle Garden.
HOW TO GO TO DUBAI AIRPORT TERMINAL 1 BY METRO?
As stated earlier, two dedicated Dubai Metro Red Line stations serve the Dubai International Airport. And Terminal 1 has its metro station!
HOW TO TRAVEL IN METRO IN DUBAI?
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable Dubai Metro experience, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Plan your journey: Familiarise yourself with the Dubai Metro map, check the timings and calculate the fare.
- Avoid peak hours: If possible, travel during off-peak hours to avoid overcrowding and long queues.
- Respect local customs: Dubai is a multicultural city with diverse customs and traditions. Be respectful of local customs and dress modestly.
- Keep your Nol card handy: Before boarding the metro, make sure you have your Nol card ready. Ensure it has sufficient credit and tap in and out at the designated gates.
- Be mindful of others: Follow public transportation etiquette, such as giving up your seat to the elderly or disabled and keeping the volume of your music or phone calls low.
SOME QUICK FACTS
- How many trains in Dubai Metro: 129
- How many zones in Dubai Metro: 7
- How much does Dubai Metro cost: Minimum AED 3 and maximum AED 7.50
- How many stations in Dubai Metro: 31 Red Line, 5 Route 2020 and 20 Green Line
- Does Dubai Metro have Wi-Fi? Yes
- Can we carry luggage in Dubai Metro? Yes, if it meets the acceptable dimensions stated above
That concludes our guide to the metro train in Dubai! You can learn more about this incredible service by reading Dubai Metro facts.
Many resources can help you get around the city using public transport. For instance, if you want to know the exact metro train timings to plan your journey, you can use public transport apps in Dubai, such as S’hail.
For more updates on the public transport system in Dubai and the rest of the UAE, stay tuned to MyBayut.
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Dubai is an amazing city I like it so much!